GROUND ANCHORS the

importance of maintenance and

inspections and some recent
developments
presentation by

Dr Devon Mothersille
SBMA Ltd

FEBRUARY 2011

Tonights presentation
Some special applications
The importance of maintenance and
inspections
Changes in European Standards
Recent developments
Final Remarks

INTRODUCTION
AND
BACKGROUND

TERMINOLOGY
Figure 1 from EN 1537:2000 - Sketch of a ground anchor
(details of anchor head and head protection omitted)

GROUND
ANCHOR
MARKET
SECTORS
GROUND
ANCHOR
MARKET
SECTORS
SECTOR 1

Rock bolts and soil

nails
Lengths up to 10m
Loads up to 100kN

Low capacity ground

anchors
Lengths up to 12m
Loads up to 500kN

GROUND ANCHOR MARKET SECTORS

SECTOR 1

Rock bolts and soil

nails
Lengths up to 6m
Loads up to 100kN

Low capacity ground

anchors
Lengths up to 12m
Loads up to 500kN

SECTOR 2

Medium to high capacity ground anchors

Lengths: 12m to 130m

Test loads up to 20000kN

SOME SPECIAL
APPLICATIONS

Tunnel subjected to a
maximum hydrostatic head
of 60m
(courtesy PSM)

Burnley Tunnel,
Melbourne,
Australia

Typical cross section through the central section of the tunnel showing
fanned arrays of 46mm diameter monobar anchors with overall lengths
varying between 7 - 10m.

In total some 5200 anchors with working load of 1000kN were

installed over a distance of 2km to resist uplift pressures

Seven Mile Dam, British Columbia, Canada

(Courtesy Con-Tech Systems Ltd)

Fabrication of 92 strand
tendons up to 126m long
(Courtesy Con-Tech Systems Ltd)

57 tendons
transported to dam
site via road
(Courtesy Con-Tech Systems Ltd)

Homing of tendon in 400mm

diameter boreholes
(Courtesy Con-Tech Systems Ltd)

Anchors proof loaded to

19177kN
(Courtesy Con-Tech Systems Ltd)

The Aviva Stadium Dublin, Ireland

Foundation structure incorporating eight anchors with

working loads up to 1250kN

Coupling of 63.5mm diameter bars to form 20m long tendons

Placement of bearing
plate and nut with
access manhole

Placement of bitumen
coated, steel
protective cap filled
with corrosion
inhibiting compound

Substantial slope stabilisation project utilising high capacity

single bore multiple anchors (SBMAs) at Degendamm, Austria

Large reinforced concrete stressing blocks used with 3600kN

work load anchors in highly weathered rock

Fabrication of tendons
comprising 18No. 18mm
diameter strands with 20m
overall fixed length and total
length of 85m.

Use of double protected 18mm diameter Dyform strand

for anchors at Degendamm, Austria

On completion 200No. anchors of working load 3600kN

effectively replace 400No. anchors of 1500kN working load
specified in the tender.

Al-Quds Endowment Tower,

Doha, Qatar with multi-level
basement and 100 floors.

Installation of 1537 No. removable SBMAs with working

load of 750kN to support excavation for the Al-Quds
Tower Project, Doha, Qatar

Excavation support by propping and shoring

Reinforced concrete props supporting temporary

works for deep excavation in China

Combining propping and anchoring during the construction

of Central Station, Hong Kong

FOUNDATION
CONSTRUCTION
FOR THE WORLD
TRADE CENTRE,
NEW YORK, USA

MAINTENANCE AND
INSPECTIONS

Section Overview
Benefits
Consequences
Guidelines
Closing Remarks

THE BENEFITS

Routine programmes of inspection and

monitoring, where satisfactory condition and
service performance are confirmed,
can extend the service life of anchored
structures

Where investigations highlight

unacceptable tendon exposure to corrosion
or tendon over-stressing,
the results provide early warning of the need
for precautionary or remedial measures,
in order to safeguard the integrity and
performance of the anchored structure

In spite of these benefits, insufficient attention

is paid to routine maintenance inspections
and service behaviour monitoring
in current practice

The potential consequences should not be

ignored as anchored structures represent key
elements of a countrys infrastructure

Anchors installed over 30 years ago

may have corrosion protection
considered inferior or inadequate
by todays standards!

THE NATURE OF CORROSION

SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF TYPES OF CORROSION

Generalised attack

Localised attack

Stress corrosion
cracking

Unprotected steel tendon in Victorian soil

retention system

THE CONSEQUENCES OF
NOT CARRYING OUT
MAINTENANCE AND
INSPECTIONS
PROGRAMMES

FAILURES

Anchored quay wall failure, River Thames

Anchored quay wall failure, River Thames

Soil nailed slope, South Korea

Failed slope, South Korea

Failed slope, South Korea

Failure of large anchored slope in Asia

Failure of large anchored slope in Asia

Some features encountered

during anchor inspections

BARCELONA, SPAIN

Anchored wall support during excavation

Removal of grout plug to expose anchor head

components

Expose strands and anchor head block

Severely corroded strand exhibiting slippage

through wedges after 18 months in service

HARBOUR IN SOUTHERN
ENGLAND

1300kN working load anchors in alluvial deposits.

Anchors in tidal range restrain quay wall

Removal of protective cap reveals severely corroded

barrel and wedges after 11 years in service

Inspection within protective caps reveals inadequate

filling with corrosion inhibiting compound

Corrosion induced fractured barrel and wedges and

strand slippage after 11 years in service

Degradation of rubber gaskets after 11 years in service

Emulsification of corrosion inhibiting compound

after 11 years in service

RIVER THAMES, ENGLAND

Severe corrosion up to 10mm

deep recorded on protective
steel cap after 28 years in a
marine environment

Severe corrosion and deterioration of bitumen

painted steel cap after 30 years in service

Anchor head after removal of cap showing

corroded barrels and remnant grease after
30 years in service

Severely corroded anchor head showing strand

slippage and protective cap loss after 30 years in
service

RIVER CLYDE, SCOTLAND

Anchor heads subjected

to severe exposure
within the tidal range
after 21 years in service

Exhumed anchor head in concrete deck protected by grease

impregnated tape after 21 years in service
Note
Grease has dried out leaving the tape material ineffective in protecting the anchor
head

Strand loss and slippage at exposed anchor head

after service of 33 years

Sample of strand with barrel and wedges attached

showing damage to sheathing at a location beneath the
anchor head

Severe corrosion on failed strand showing section loss

Macrograph showing section loss of up to 16% in

peripheral wires after 30 years in service

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

Sequence of remedial
measures for corroded
anchor head
after loss of protective
cover in service

Glass fibre reinforced protective cap

FAILURES OF GROUND ANCHORS

IN SERVICE
BY
TENDON CORROSION
1934 TO 1980
FIP (1986)

FINDINGS FROM 35 CASE HISTORIES

Corrosion is localised and independent of

tendon type i.e. bar, strand or wire
Period of service ranges from a few weeks to
many years
Short term failures due to stress corrosion
cracking or hydrogen embrittlement

FAILURE LOCATIONS
19 incidents at or within 1m of anchor head
21 incidents in the free length
2 incidents in fixed length

Typical anchor head detail (BS 8081:1989)

Absence of protective sheathing immediately below stressing head

GUIDELINES

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DESIGNER
highlight value and necessity of
inspection/monitoring
produce a performance specification and
maintenance manual
provide access for investigations
stipulate record keeping
ensure appropriate reporting

MAINTENANCE TESTING
involves inspection of the condition of anchor
materials and components
+
where appropriate, testing to determine
the nature and severity of the condition
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Has anchor suffered
corrosion or mechanical damage?
Are the conditions recorded within acceptable limits?

SERVICE BEHAVIOUR MONITORING

focuses on performance of
anchored structure e.g. overall movement
and local deformation
+
individual anchors e.g. residual load
and anchor head displacement
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Are the trends in movement/deformation
acceptable?
Have individual anchors maintained their design load
in compliance with acceptance criteria?

TESTING AND MONITORING OF IMPORTANT

ANCHORS
EXTENT AND FREQUENCY

annual visual inspection of outer head

protection of all anchors, or at least a
representative sample

annual intrusive inspections of 5-10% of anchors

to assess anchor head condition and monitoring
by load lift-off checks

Frequency of
visual survey

Monitoring of individual anchors

No. of anchors1

Frequency of anchor inspection

and residual load measurement

Extent and frequency of

special grease checks2

High risk category meaning risk to life where failures affect occupied buildings and economic risk relating to
failures affecting urban trunk roads, essential services or excessive structural damage to buildings
Weekly (up to end
of maintenance
period) and every 6
months thereafter

15% of first 50
anchors
12% of second 50
anchors
10% of additional
anchors

2 weeks, 1 month,
3 months, 6 months,
9 months, 1 year,
18 months, 2 years, and every
year thereafter

Three anchors
2 years, 5 years and every
5 years thereafter

Low risk category meaning risk to life where failures affect densely used open spaces and recreational
facilities, roads with high traffic density and public waiting areas, and economic risk relating to failures affecting
rural or primary distributor roads that are not sole accesses and temporary loss of essential services
Fortnightly (up to
end of maintenance
period) and
annually thereafter

10% of first 50
anchors
7% of second 50
anchors
5% of additional
anchors

2 weeks, 1 month,
3 months, 6 months,
9 months, 1 year,
18 months, 2 years, and every
2 years thereafter

Two anchors
2 years, 5 years and every
5 years thereafter

Negligible risk category meaning risk to life where failures affect country parks, lightly used open recreational
areas, roads with low traffic density and storage compounds for non-dangerous goods, and economic risk
relating to failures affecting country parks, open air car parks, rural feeder and local distributor roads that are not
sole accesses
Monthly (up to end
of maintenance
period) and
annually thereafter

7% of first 50
anchors
3% of additional
anchors

2 weeks, 1 month,
3 months, 6 months,
9 months, 1 year,
18 months, 2 years,
5 years and every 5 years
thereafter

One anchor
2 years, 5 years and every
5 years thereafter

1.The same anchors are to be monitored each time. The number may be increased if necessary to provide a
representative sample.
2.Different anchors are to be selected each time for special grease checks so that the original undisturbed
grease can be sampled.

GUIDE TO
EXTENT AND
FREQUENCY
OF
MONITORING
OF ANCHORS
(AFTER
GEOSPEC 1,
1989)

USA
Depending on the number of anchors and the importance of
the measurements, typically 3% to 10% of the anchors, or
more if desired, are monitored for service behaviour on any
given project (PTI ,2004).
In general, monitoring commences at short intervals of 1-3
months and later at intervals not greater the 2 years,
depending on the results. When an anchor load gain is
measured, monitoring should continue until the load
stabilises. If the load in the anchorage approaches the
original proof load, the anchorage is destressed to the design
working load, additional anchors are installed and the overall
anchored structure is monitored until the overall system
stabilises.

UK (BS8081:1889 clause 11.5.3):

Duration and frequency of monitoring. Where the
purpose of monitoring is the detection of failure
due to corrosion e.g. unprotected anchorages,
testing should be carried out at not greater than 6
month intervals for a period of 3 years and
thereafter at long regular intervals of not greater
than 5 years throughout the entire life of the
structure.

Closing Remarks
Concern about the condition of existing anchored
structures constructed circa 30 years ago
Remedial measures employed at the anchor head
will serve to prolong the effective service life of
existing anchorages
The condition of existing ground anchors
supporting waterside structures can only be
assessed by implementing programmes of
inspections, monitoring and testing

RECENT CHANGES
TO EUROPEAN
STANDARDS

BS8081:1989

British Standard Code of Practice for

Ground Anchorages
Essentially covering three main aspects:

Design

Construction

Testing

BS8081:1989 will be replaced by three documents:

EC7 (EN 1997-1, Ch. 8): Design of Anchors

Harmonisation

EN 1537: Execution of Ground

Anchors

EN ISO 22477-5: Testing of

Anchors

Countries regularly represented on committee

CEN/TC288/WG14
Austria

Belgium
Denmark
France
Germany
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Sweden
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom

DESIGN IN ACCORDANCE
WITH EC7

Basis of the EC7 anchor design approach

The fundamental basis for the limit state design
approach adopted in EC7 is that actions (the
anchor force) are resisted by internal
resistances (the steel tendon strength) and
external resistances (the ground/grout interfacial
bond).
Partial factors are assigned in the design
process

EXECUTION IN
ACCORDANCE WITH EN1537

CLAUSE 8.4 Stressing

Cl.8.4.5: Stressing of anchors with staggered free lengths
Cl.8.4.5.1: For anchors in these cases, special consideration shall be
given to the stressing operation to avoid overstressing of each
individual tendon unit.
CLAUSE 9.10 Monitoring
Cl.9.10.4: If monitoring is to be carried out a minimum of 5% of the
anchors should be monitored on a regular basis during their design
life.
Cl.9.10.6: The monitoring should include the inspection of corrosion
protection of the accessible parts of the anchor head.
[BS8081 recommends 10% or three anchorages whichever is greater for
projects with < 100 anchorages and at least 5% of the excess over 100.]

TESTING IN ACCORDANCE
WITH EN ISO 22477-5

EN ISO 22477-5

Proposals have been made to reduce the proof

load factor from 1.5 to 1.25 for both temporary
and permanent anchors

Closing remarks
The national foreword to EN1537:2000 states that it supersedes
those parts of BS8081:1989 that deal with the construction of
ground anchors.
Until the publication of EC7 all aspects of
BS8081:1989 dealing with design still apply.
Until the publication of EN ISO 22477-5 all aspects of
BS8081:1989 that deal with testing also still apply.

It anticipated that full publication of the harmonized documents

will not emerge until 2011/12.

RECENT
DEVELOPMENTS

RESEARCH INTO THE

USE OF CARBON
FIBRE TENDONS FOR
GROUND ANCHORS

Carbon fibre tendons

THE USE OF REAL TIME

MONITORING
TECHNOLOGY ON ANCHORS

Anchored slope in South

Korea

Fibre optic sensors used

in tendon as part of a real
time monitoring system

INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE ON
GROUND ANCHORS
LONDON 2017

Final Remarks
Millions of anchors installed over the past 70 years
with relatively few recorded failures
No room for complacency
Ongoing need to maintain high standards in anchor
design and construction
Need for rigorous maintenance inspections and
service behaviour monitoring to ensure satisfactory
performance in the future

THANK YOU FOR

YOUR
ATTENTION